Bowls isn't just about leagues and competitions. If you're looking to challenge your club's members and add a whole new level of fun to the game at your next social event, there are plenty of less-common formats you can try out - imagine dodging obstacles while rolling bowls down the rink, or strategising with teammates in a rapid-fire, timed format!
If you're ready to spice up your club's routine, we've got you covered. Read on for our guide to 4 unusual bowls formats, complete with rules and reasons to try them out!
The name of this one is very much literal! The jack is placed inside a box that has a small hole on one side. Players must roll their bowls through the hole in order to get close to the jack inside it, without knowing precisely where the jack is. Once everyone's had their turn, the box is lifted to reveal the winner.
This format adds an element of both luck and skill to the game: it requires precision to get the bowl through the hole, but there's a randomness involved with where the bowl ends up in relation to the hidden jack. It's a fun and challenging format that tests a player's ability to adjust their speed and line on every shot.
Similar to trick shot pool, this format encourages players to attempt creative and challenging shots. Obstacles like ramps, tunnels, and strategically placed cones are scattered around the rink, which players then attempt to execute shots around. Players are awarded points based on the difficulty and success rate of their trick shots. This makes each end a fun display of showmanship as players try to out-invent each other.
Speed bowls is all about going fast (as you can guess from the name!). Players have a limited amount of time to deliver their bowls. If they exceed the time limit, they forfeit their turn. This adds an element of urgency and thrill, as players must make quick decisions and execute shots rapidly. You can up the excitement further by progressively reducing the time limit for each round, until players are left with only a few seconds to take their turn!
Really want to push the boat out? Blind bowls is just what the name implies - players wear blindfolds and rely on their teammates' instructions to bowl their shots. It's a great way to test communication and teamwork skills, not to mention a lot of fun - just make sure no one trips over a bowl when playing!
These are just a few examples of the many unusual lawn bowls formats you can try at your next social event, especially if you're looking for a fun way to introduce new players to the game. And don't feel limited to just these examples - with a little creativity, you can come up with your own unique format that's sure to be enjoyed by all.
If you're looking for other ways to improve your players' experience at your club, why not have a chat with the team at Bowlr? Our league and membership management software streamlines club admin, freeing up your time so you can focus on making your club the best it can be. Get in touch online or give us a ring on 01202 684400 today to get started!